Bear out for season

OAKEY Bears rugby league centre Terry Graham has joined Souths' Jamie Richters on the sidelines for the rest of the season after fronting the Toowoomba Rugby League (TRL) judiciary on Wednesday night.

Graham was suspended until September 30 for misconduct.

He pleaded guilty to striking Richters in Sunday's TRL match at Oakey. It was alleged that Graham, who was in possession at the time, played the ball before "punching the marker in the face".

Video footage of the incident was provided to the judiciary.

Richters will not play again this season after he had surgery on Wednesday to repair facial fractures. The talented youngster was a member of the South West Mustangs Under 19 team this year and he was considered to be a contender for Queensland honours.

Souths president Mick Rathborne said he thought the judiciary's decision was "reasonable".

"I suppose seeing as Jamie will miss the rest of the season, then it is reasonable," Rathborne said.

"You don't like to see anyone out of the game, but by the same token you can't afford to see that sort of behaviour."

TRL chairman Noel Davis could not comment on the incident, other than to say it was "disappointing for the game".

"It's disappointing for all concerned," Davis said.

"It's hard for both clubs and we feel for the young fellow who has been hurt."

The issue might not stop at the TRL judiciary.

Toowoomba police confirmed to The Chronicle that they were investigating the incident.